During July 2019 I visited the Maldives as a solo traveler. The Island Hopper tour was perfect for my intent to experience the real flavor/culture/people of the country and not the artificial environment of resorts. I arrived and was met by Shaffaf who was the perfect guide/host to hotels, ferries, experiences across 5 islands. I love Maldive island life--even more so after the busy arrival city of Male. I especially love the FREEDOM to set my own itinerary on each island after local representatives warmly welcomed me at each island ferry and presented the options of their island. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, visiting the homes of locals, beach time and just sharing hours of lazy conversation with the locals was priceless. After returning to the USA, my heart is still in The Maldives!!
The scenic and energetic northern state of Rajasthan is awash with all the colours of India. On this 15-day journey, you’ll learn the history of massive forts, witness the opulence of Maharajahs' palaces and stroll through local markets, all with a local leader by your side to give you the inside scoop. Search for the elusive Bengal tiger, enjoy a shared meal with a family in Pushkar, spend a night in the desert, soak up the natural beauty of vast, shimmering lakes and tick a Wonder of the World off your bucket list – starting and ending in thriving Delhi.
Get set for a 15-day expedition through an ancient land. Beginning in Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, the expedition takes you north to the stunning and rarely visited Hunza Valley region. Here you’ll find nature unleashed: imagine imposing jagged peaks, alpine lakes and glaciers creeping into the valleys. Hike between ancient fortifications scattered among rural villages and learn about the modern innovations that help the local people prosper. Finish in Lahore, a city that not only stood strong through the rise and fall of empires but also preserved the culture that makes Pakistan such a mesmerising, all-consuming country.
This 8-day adventure through Bhutan is a captivating journey through a land where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations. From the moment you arrive at Paro International Airport, often hailed as the world's most beautiful, you'll be immersed in a realm of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore historic fortresses like Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, now a museum housing exquisite artifacts. Discover the art of incense making, hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery perched on a cliff, and witness the unique Takin, Bhutan's national animal. Journey over high mountain passes, visit sacred temples, and wander through bustling markets in the capital city of Thimphu.
But this tour offers more than just sightseeing. You'll experience authentic Bhutanese life with a homestay in the Phobjikha Valley, sharing meals and stories with a local family. You'll witness the resilience of Bhutanese architecture at the ruined Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and perhaps even catch the excitement of an archery tournament.
This is a journey that will awaken your senses, challenge your body, and nourish your soul. It's an opportunity to connect with a culture that values happiness and harmony, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
We've carefully selected some of our departure dates to coincide with Bhutan's vibrant tsechus – religious festivals that bring the dzongs (fortresses) to life with colorful masked dances, lively processions, and unique cultural performances. These festivals offer a rare glimpse into Bhutan's spiritual heart and are a truly unforgettable experience.
To ensure you fully immerse yourself in these captivating celebrations, we may adjust the itinerary slightly on these special departure dates. This allows us to maximize your time at the festivals and also takes into account the limited accommodation availability during these popular events.
Flights to Bhutan are available with Druk Air, the national airline, with convenient connections from Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu.
Want to extend your adventure beyond Bhutan? We offer a range of options to combine this tour with time in Nepal and/or India:
- Temples, Dzongs and Taj - This tour combines our Bhutan Encounters tour with an exploration of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and time visiting Delhi and Agra (including the Taj Mahal) in India.
- Himalayan Kingdoms - This tour add times in Nepal before and after our Bhutan Encounters Tour
Journey from the hub of Delhi into the foothills of the Himalayas and discover India’s slower side with this 12-day adventure. With a focus on spirit, mind and body, you’ll spend time unwinding on nature hikes or deep breathing through a yoga class. This region is known for its spirituality and history and you’ll have a handy local leader by your side to teach you about the local culture along the way. Learn about the Buddhist and Sikh faiths alongside the sites of historic importance with visits to Dharmasala, Amritsar’s Golden Temple and Rishikesh. Ride on a UNESCO-listed toy train, explore the home of the Dalai Lama and watch the flag ceremony at Pakistan’s border.
Base Camp. Two little syllables that conjure up dreams as immense and powerful as the Himalayas themselves. This 15-day trekking trip is your chance to take on the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's base camp and gain an insight into the world-renowned Sherpa culture. You’ll cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes – discovering both the majesty of the mountains and your own potential. Embrace the sense of freedom that comes with leaving cell service behind for card games in basic (but cosy) teahouses. Plus, Intrepid partners with local mountaineering and porter welfare programs, so you can trek easier knowing that while our porters are taking care of you, there’s someone looking out for them. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes, but the whole experience can summed up in two syllables – worth it.
ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in included flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see day 1 of the itinerary for more details.
I would like to share my deepest gratitude and recognition for the professionalism and excellent services I received, especially from Mr. Jainendra Sigh, during my recent trip to India.
Mr. Jainendra who organized the trip both by air and land, made arrangements in lovely Heritage hotels, which food and services were outstanding, and an impeccable white car that Mr. Kumar drove. At the same time Mr. Jainendra provided me with a guide every time I arrived to a new city, and was able to visit the lavished monuments as well as its beautiful people. Mr. Jainendra listened to what I wanted and planned every single day according to my interest.
Mr. Kumar, with his white and impeccable car drove me around India, from Udaipur to Ranakpur, to Jodhpur, to Pushkar, to Samond, to Jaipur, to Agra and finally New Delhi, was a smooth and happy ride.
Every day, Mr. Kumar had a big smile, and his driving knowledge and experience was excellent. I am a photographer and he would kindly stop wherever there was a shot for me to take, and drove through places that were out of this world. I have to add there was always cold water in the car.
I took a plane from New Delhi to Varanase and from Vanaranse to Udaipur. I hope to be back in India soon, but in the mean time I am planning a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam with the team.
I was and will always feel in good hands if and when I make my plans through the team.
Many thanks Mr. Jainendra and Mr. Kumar.
This was to be my third trip to the Himalayas, the last being the Annapurna Circuit in 2006 (before road building started on the circuit). I was looking for something different this time, a remote camping based trek off the beaten track and away from the relatively crowded paths and overstretched teahouses of Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Manalsu more than met my expectations.
Experience a rejuvenating wellness escape in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. Immerse yourself in daily yoga and meditation sessions, explore spiritual practices, and savor Ayurvedic meals designed for holistic health. Adventure seekers can enjoy white-water rafting on the Ganges and nature walks in the Himalayan foothills. Unwind with spa treatments and cultural excursions, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Transform your body and mind amidst India's serene landscapes and ancient traditions.
I had the most amazing time on a trip to India with this travel operator. It was well thought out from start to finish. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable about the places we were visiting, he went above and beyond and kept things fun. The places we saw were overwhelmingly beautiful. The perfect mix of culture and a good time. I'd definitely travel with them again. Thank you!
We recently concluded a two-week trip travelling throughout Sri Lanka using World Expeditions. With our input on sites to see, hikes to take, places of interest to visit, accommodations etc., the World Expeditions team provided an excellent and customized itinerary for our comprehensive private journey to Sri Lanka. The entire team was highly responsible and provided professional input up to the moment we departed for the trip. Upon arrival we were greeted by our guide and driver who provided dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence all throughout the trip, consistently going above and beyond his responsibilities as a travel guide ensuring we would experience the "real” Sri Lanka. He consistently anticipated our needs to ensure that our questions or concerns were addressed and resolved. Being very intuitive, in addition to the hikes, temples and ancient cities visited in our itinerary, he also further customized our trip to include additional activities he knew we would both enjoy as wildlife and photo enthusiasts. Overall, this was an incredible experience and very satisfied that we used World Expeditions to organize this trip.
Live and breathe the culture of Sri Lanka as you take a walking tour through the picturesque backstreets of Colombo, see the famous fortress of Sigiriya set upon its rocky outcrop and visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy. For something truly unique, take part in a Nuwara Eliya tea experience—an all-immersive tea leaf picking and fresh tea tasting affair, at one of the world’s most beautiful tea plantations. Voyage into the depths of the jungle on a game drive in Wilpattu National Park and keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants. Before the journey home, be sure not to miss the exquisite fragrances of the National Spice Garden in Matale and the architectural wonders of Anuradhapura—the capital city of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom that ruled for a thousand years.
Explore South Korea's hidden gems on a captivating western journey! This adventure-packed tour promises unforgettable experiences, including immersion in traditional Hanok villages, vibrant local markets, and serene temple visits. Revel in South Korea's rich cultural tapestry while delighting in authentic culinary delights. Scenic landscapes, from coastal vistas to lush countryside, provide stunning backdrops for memorable photos. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, this tour guarantees an enriching and unforgettable Korean escapade. Join us for the ultimate exploration of Korea's Western charm!
